Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat

June 17, 2009 @ 11:01:01

By Bryce McRae
Edited by Tim Heaney

Also see: Fantasy baseball closer depth charts

In fantasy baseball, the closer position remains volatile. Rarely does every closer hang on to the job for the entire season - injuries, poor performance and managerial decisions can cloud a team's bullpen picture.

Should you be concerned about a struggling stopper? Which setup men are climbing the depth chart? Any lingering injuries popping up? KFFL.com's Fantasy Baseball Closer Hot Seat series keeps you informed when you're looking for saves.

Key

Job Security (JS) score	Health (H) score
1 (unstable) to 5 (untouchable)	1 (injury-prone) to 5 (durable)

Toronto Blue Jays

Closer: Scott Downs

Next in line: Jason Frasor, B.J. Ryan

Other possibilities: Jesse Carlson, Jeremy Accardo

One of the arguments against interleague play was on full display in Philadelphia last night. After hitting a ball toward short, Downs (ankle) rolled his ankle coming out of the batter's box.

Downs is scheduled for an MRI today. Initial X-rays came back negative, and his left foot was neither swollen nor packed in ice after the game while he was walking around in flip-flops. A DL stint is still a possibility. Remember: Downs' 2008 season (and the Jays' playoff chances) ended with a right ankle injury.

The first choice to replace Downs should be Frasor. He has allowed only five earned runs (four in one appearance) in 23 2/3 innings this year, and he has experience closing. If Frasor is Plan B, then Ryan should be your Plan C. The tall lefty slowed down his delivery while on his most recent rehab assignment. He hasn't allowed a run since May 27, but he has just two strikeouts in that time.

Job security score: 4

Health score: 4

Mound meetings

• Closer troubles weren't confined to the Blue Jays in Philly last night. Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson loaded the bases in the ninth last night before walking in Lyle Overbay to tie the game. He was able to get out of the jam without allowing any further damage, though. Really, who else do the Phils have to close things down?
• Still looking for an answer to that last question? Well, the Phillies' Brad Lidge (knee) threw 30 pitches off the mound yesterday and plans to throw 40-50 tomorrow. If that goes well, he could begin a rehab assignment soon. He's eligible to return June 22 and should be back then or not long after.
• That BS next to Oakland Athletics "closer" Andrew Bailey's name last night? He was cleaning up a mess and gave up one single and a run-scoring groundout in the eighth to lose the lead before retiring the next batter. He pitched a perfect ninth. His competition for saves, Brad Ziegler, left with the loss, though. The soft-tosser gave up one run in two-thirds of an inning. However, he wasn't helped by a throwing error that allowed Orlando Hudson, who scored the game-winning run, to stay on base. This is still Bailey's show.
• Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim pitcher Kelvim Escobar (shoulder) won't be rushing back from the disabled list, and he didn't sound optimistic he'll return June 22. He felt no pain in his shoulder while playing catch two days ago, though. When he does return, he'll likely be used to solidify a shaky setup situation in Disneyland's backyard.
• The New York Mets' Billy Wagner (elbow) is expected to begin facing hitters in two weeks and hopes to pitch in a minor league game in 30 days. NL leaguers take note.

Also see: Fantasy baseball closer depth charts

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Bryce McRae
Bryce McRae is a Managing Editor with KFFL and has been involved in fantasy sports since 1999. He joined KFFL as a volunteer writer in March 2005 before becoming a Hot off the Wire Analyst in March 2006. He began working in his current capacity in September 2008. His work has appeared on fantasy sports sites such as Yahoo! and CBS Sportsline as well as in print. He graduated from the University of British Columbia in 2008 with a B.A. in History and U.S. Studies.

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